More

Top Spots For Fall Jackets In Connecticut

September 18, 2012 6:00 AM

(credit: Thinkstock)

(credit: Thinkstock)

The true beauty of New England is in the change of the seasons. The lazy, hazy days of summer give way to the crisp, cool air of autumn sometimes seemingly overnight. It is this change of seasons that keeps closets of Connecticut residents constantly in flux, and the fall season means jackets to stave off the chill as the days get shorter. Most don’t usually think about that old jacket until it’s time to put it on, only to be reminded about that unsightly tear or broken zipper or to find it doesn’t fit quite right. Not to fret. Connecticut has a number of locally owned retailers offering a variety of jackets ranging from sports to outdoors and casual to upscale. Many of these stores can be visited on site or conveniently perused online. Here’s a list of Connecticut’s top jacket stores that should satisfy any taste and any budget.

Trailblazer is an independent, local outdoor trio of stores based in Connecticut since 1995 with locations in New Haven, Branford and the Mohegan Sun Casino. Trailblazer stores strive to fulfill all your outdoor needs and Shoptrailblazer.com brings premier product selections and personalized service to the rest of the world. Trailblazer has been named one of the Top 25 Retailers in the United States by Outdoor Business magazine each year since 2007. Trailblazer has a large selection of fleece and down jackets, outdoor gear and lifestyle apparel from brands such as The North Face, Patagonia, Marmot, Columbia, Horny Toad and Nau. Trailblazer has the jacket you need for your next adventure. Its trained sales staff will personally outfit you for your all your active lifestyle needs.

Sometimes there’s no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than tailgating and taking in a UConn football game at ‘The Rent.’ And what better way to fend off the crisp autumn air than by sporting the logo of your favorite team on a jacket from one of the six UConn co-op stores? The co-op is a nonprofit run by students and administrators that features a full line of UConn jackets and sweatshirts for all ages of Huskies fans. Although the Avery Point, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury and West Hartford campus co-ops stock UConn apparel, the biggest selection and the best variety are found at Storrs campus co-op. Break out the grill, open your favorite beverage and stay warm with a jacket from the UConn Co-op. Go Huskies!

Whether you’re taking in The Whale at the XL Center or looking to outfit your team this season, look no further than CTWhaleshop and N & D Sports. The CTWhaleshop in conjunction with N & D Sports is an online store only, but if the hockey fan in the family bleeds Connecticut green, than it’s the site for you. If you’re looking for jackets to outfit a team, then a call or a visit to N & D is job one. N & D, Connecticut based and family owned for over 35 years, is a nationally renowned sports apparel merchandiser. Whether you’re a fan of The Whale or looking to design a great looking jacket for a football or baseball team, CTWhaleshop and N & D Sports will be your first and last stops.

Love to hit the road on the back of a bike? Or maybe a western motif is your style? Whichever your desired look, a leather jacket from Sunset Leather is a must have. Centrally located in Hartford and less than an hour away from almost anywhere in Connecticut, Sunset stocks an outstanding line of fashion leather and leather biker jackets. Whether you’re hitting the road or hitting the town, look great in a new jacket from Sunset Leather.

Pete Koiva is a Connecticut School of Broadcasting graduate and a 1986 graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University where he studied Business and Political Science. He has been active in youth sports for over 15 years, coaching soccer and basketball at all levels. His work can be found at Examiner.com.